How Aquatic Art Designs Began
From the time I was a child, I was fascinated by all bodies of water and the quiet world that exists just beneath the surface. At five years old, I stood in awe at Sea World, watching the Orcas move with such grace. Every visit was filled with wonder whether it was the Belugas, penguins, dolphins or sharks. Later, I lived blocks from the Monterey Bay Aquarium which only reinforced this. Then, a visit to the Atlanta Aquarium to see the whale shark left a lasting impression.
Over the years, I found myself drawn to capture those moments whether at aquariums, beaches or lakes. What started as simple sketches of fish and aquatic animals eventually grew into a deeper creative mission: to share the beauty of aquatic life in a way that feels both real and magical. Each piece is a small glimpse into that world - a moment of stillness, movement, and wonder preserved in a transparent footprint.
About the Artist
I grew up in California, where the ocean was always close by. Now living in San Diego, I am a lifelong baseball fan and a proud fan of the San Diego Padres.
A love for fishing runs deep in my family. My grandfather took me fishing, and my father and I spent countless hours on the rivers and lakes of the Sierra Mountains. Those experiences shaped my appreciation for the water. As I grew older, I was most likely somewhere in the mountains trying to catch a prize trout.
Today, aquariums are one of my favorite places to be. There is something special about slowing down, observing, and appreciating details that most people miss.
I never set out to become an artist. I am as surprised as anyone by this endeavor. I simply followed a passion that brought together creativity, nature, and a desire to share what I see and feel. Aquatic Art Designs is the result of that journey.
Artistic Approach
My hand painted art is transparent, so natural light becomes part of the artwork rather than simply illuminating it. The shadow becomes part of the artwork, casting a recognizable silhouette onto the surface behind it. I try to make the fish appear to be floating or suspended rather than sitting on a traditional canvas.
The combination of transparency, layering light, and shadow creates an illusion of depth and three-dimensionality. The artwork changes with its environment - morning or afterlight light, indoor or outdoor, the angle you're viewing from, and the background all influence how each piece is experienced.
From across the room, the details soften and you will see the overall form and movement - almost like a photograph or something AI generated. Then you get closer and realize it is hand-painted.
The artwork doesn't simply depict a fish.
It creates the impression of a fish resting in place.
It's not just the painting - the light, transparency, shadow and environment become a part of the atwork.